Managing the Network

Island Roads have a duty to co-ordinate works in order to facilitate the expeditious movement of traffic on the Isle of Wight's road network. It needs to consider the needs of all road users, including utilities, when carrying out that duty.

This process must identify current and future causes of disruption and collate and consider the timing of planned works or events. An underlying principle which guides us is that reliable journey times are extremely important to the vast majority of road users.

How do Island Roads coordinate works by a Statutory Undertaker?

Island Roads co-ordinate works by Statutory Undertakers with regular meetings where future works can be projected, and by continual communication.

What is a Statutory Undertaker?

A Statutory Undertaker holds a licence granted by The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), which, amongst other things, gives them the right to excavate the public highway. They are typically involved with moving water, gas, electricity and telecommunications. Overhead or underground apparatus needs to be installed and maintained to do this.

What is The New Roads and Street Works Act (NRSWA) 1991?

This act defines the responsibilities and obligations of local authorities and statutory undertakers (also referred to as 'utility companies') when works are carried out on the public highway.

How does Island Roads know the timing and location of works undertaken on the highways by Statutory Undertakers?

Island Roads relies on Statutory Undertakers to notify them of all their works. By far the most common way we are told is by electronic notices; these are held in a large database and downloaded to our office every 10 minutes with a precise time and location of works.

How do I know which Statutory Undertaker (Utility Company) is digging up the road?

Statutory Undertakers are required to display courtesy boards where they are working. These boards should display contact telephone numbers and, in some cases, the name of the person who will assist in dealing with enquiries.